MLS chief would welcome Lampard

11 October 2012 02:47

Frank Lampard would be welcomed with open arms in Major League Soccer, according to the American league's boss.

Lampard is in the final year of his Chelsea contract and speculation is rife he will not be offered anything longer than a one-year extension. The 34-year-old England midfielder has long been linked with a lucrative move to the United States, most notably as a replacement for David Beckham at Los Angeles Galaxy.

And MLS commissioner Don Garber insisted there would be no shortage of suitors were Lampard to make it known he wanted to end his career in America. Garber said: "Frank Lampard's a great player. He has a great history with the sport. If he decides he wants to play in Major League Soccer, I'm sure any club would be happy to have him on their roster."

Garber was speaking at the Leaders in Football Conference at Stamford Bridge and asked if he would exploit that opportunity, he joked: "I'll go into the locker room and see if I can chat him up."

Garber claimed he was not aware of any of his clubs making an approach for Lampard, confirming he would be involved in any negotiations if one of them did because the player would would need an exemption from the MLS salary cap.